Method and apparatus for the manufacture of filter rods containing particulate material from a split web of filter material

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for forming filter rods containing particulate material. The process is characterized by spreading a continuous web of filter material and cutting said material axially to provide first and second web sections, deposition of loose particulate material in spaced deposits across the first web section, bringing the second web section into overlying relation to the particulate material and the first web section and then gathering the web sections and particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod. The apparatus disclosed includes means for transporting a continuous web of filter material and spreading the web to a predetermined width, means for severing the web axially to provide first and second web sections, means for feeding the first web section to a means for depositing loose particulate material on the upper surface thereof, means for transporting the second web section into overlying relation to the first web section and particulate material, and means for then gathering the first and second web sections and particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

Oct. 7, 1975 United States Patent 1 Sexstone METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FILTER RODS Primary Examiner-Roy Lake CONTAINING PARTICULATE MATERIAL Assistant Examiner-lames (30am FROM A SPLIT WEB 0F FILTER MATERIAL Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow & Garrett [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for forming filter rods containing particulate material. The process is charactery Km w a .m n mo S m em mm W a n .3 n w mr .JB 1 n we .mA NM 77 [l Corporation, Louisville, Ky.

Feb. 4, 1974 [22] Filed:

Appl. No: 439,524

tion, bringing the second web section into overlying relation to the particulate material and the first web section and then gathering the Web sections and par- [52] US. 93/1 C; 93/77 FT; 131/265 A24C 5/50 131/265, 261 B; 93/1 C [51] Int.

[58] Field of Search...........

93/ 77 FT ticulate material into a cylindrical filter rod. The apparatus disclosed includes means for transporting a con- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS tinuous web of filter material and spreading the web to a predetermined width, means for severing the web 2,684,614 954 Ruaummnw 93/1 C axially to provide first and second web sections, means 3,123,680 9 4 s h 93/1 C for feeding the first web section to a means for depos- 3,299,895 Dearsley 131 261 B/ iting loose particulate material on the upper surface 3,371,000 Davenport et C X thereof, means for transporting the second web sec- 3,482488 Sexstone 93/1 C tion into overlying relation to the first web section and 3743528 7/1973 93/1 C X particulate material, and means for then gathering the 3,807,286 4/1974 Sexstone............................... 93/1 C first and second web Sections and particulate material OTHER PUBLICATIONS into a cylindrical filter rod. Harris, Def. Pub. of Serial No. 6,611 filed Jan. 28, 1970, Defensive Publication No. T880,009.

19 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures US. Patent Oct. 7,1975 Sheet 1 of 3 3,910,166

FIGI 4 US. Patent Ofi tt. 7,1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,910,166

US. Patent Oct. 7,1975 Sheet30f3 3,910,166

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FILTER RODS CONTAINING PARTICULATE MATERIAL FROM A SPLIT WEB OF FILTER MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the manufacture of filter plugs for use in cigarettes and like articles.

More particularlv, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for the manufacture of such filter plugs from a web of material, such as cellulose acetate, with particulate material deposited on the web and gathered with the web to form the filter plug.

2. Description of the Prior Art The manufacture of multifilters, filters containing zones, regions, or parts thereof comprised of different materials has long interested the industry as a means of removing certain components from tobacco smoke.

In the 1960s, considerable attention was focused on the formation of multifilters containing loose particulate or granular material. A wide variety of problems, however, were encountered, both in developing commercially practicable processes and apparatus for manufacturing the filters, as well as providing a filter which will accomplish the desired end in a manner pleasing and acceptable to the consumer.

The prior art discloses numerous patents, such as the patent to Hall et al, U.S. Pat No. 3,259,029; Molins, US. Pat. No. 3,312,151; Sexstone, U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,462; Pinkham, U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,324; Sexstone, U.S. Pat. No. 3,482,488; Labbe, U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,l l2; and Jackson, U.S. Pat No. 3,623,404 which disclose methods and apparatus for forming filter plugs having sections composed of particulate material. These patents disclose the use of a process comprising the steps of providing spaced cylindrical plugs of a first material on a continuous wrapper, depositing particulate material on that wrapper and between the spaced plugs, and closing the wrapper about the spaced plugs and the particulate material to form a filter rod.

These techniques have met with varying degrees of success. Problems have been encountered because of the difficulty of completely filling the particulate sections of the filter rod. If these sections are not completely filled, smoke, seeking the path of least resistance, moves between the particulate material and the wrapper, defeating at least in part, the intention of exposing the smoke to the individual particles.

Difficulties have also been encountered in utilizing this technique in relation to high-speed cigarette making processes. For instance, problems arise in supplying the precise amount of particulate material required to produce the desired filtration.

Finally, it is noted that the particulate material in these processes is difficult to control, causing housekeeping problems. In this regard, the material may find its way into portions of the filter and the tobacco columns of the cigarettes where its presence is unwanted and undesirable to the smoker.

In contrast to the above processes, the patent to Davcnp ort et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,000 discloses a variety of techniques for placing strips of particulate material on a web and gathering the web into a filter plug. In one embodiment, Davenport prints strips of a slurry containing particulate material on cellulose acetate, paper or other material utilized in the forming of filter rods. In other embodiments, Davenport injects, the slurry by a needle-nozzle combination into a preformed plug at spaced positions.

In still another embodiment, Davenport disclosed, in FIGS. 15 and 16, the utilization of a rotating wheel hav ing recesses in its outer rim for transporting granular material from a hopper to spaced positions on a web of filter forming material, the web being brought into contact with the outer rim of the wheel and traveling through a defined arc with the wheel whereby a transfer of the particulate material to the web is effected by gravity flow.

In some of the embodiments described in his patent, Davenport found that the material deposited on the web may be carried off by zones of contact with portions of the plug maker before the gathered rod is enwrapped (col. l3, 11. 5860). In order to avoid such contact, a web of porous paper, non-woven fabric or the like is applied to the upper surface of the web, tow or yarn and moves with the web, tow or yarn and is enwrapped with the gathered rod of web, tow or yarn (cols. 13, 1.73 to col. 14, 1.2). In this manner, Davenport protected the particulate material as it entered the garniture to prevent its removal from the web.

Davenport, however, supplied the second web from a separate roll without blooming or tensioning the web. Even if Davenport bloomed and tensioned the second web, it would be commercially impractical to attempt to achieve consistent tensioning and blooming of two webs due to variations in equipment and the web material itself. The result of such variations is to produce poor quality filters. Filters so produced tend to twist or curl. Moreover, consistency in pressure drop through the filter is impossible to attain resulting in unacceptable variations among cigarettes of the same brand.

It was also recognized by Davenport that formation of such strips of particulate material is complicated by the fact that differential stretching of the web may occur because the tow is extensible when subjected to tension (col. 6, l l. l2), causing the strips of material to move out of alignment. Davenport suggests several ways of reducing this problem but does not teach or even suggest the use of the previously discussed overlay of fabric for this purpose.

There is a tendency for rows of deposited particulate material to form a chevron-like pattern as the web is drawn into the garniture for forming the web and material into a cylindrical filter rod. The chevron pattern is formed, not by differential stretching of the web material, but rather because the center of the web travels at a greater forward velocity than the sides when it enters the garniture and commences to be gathered into a filter rod.

Formation of the chevron pattern has the undesirable effect of extending the particulate material through a considerable length of the filter rod, even to the extent that when the rod is severed into individual plugs, the particulate material will appear on the cut edge of the filter plugs. The particulate material produces an undesirable taste.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a new and improvedl method and apparatus for forming filters containing particulate material which alleviate the aforementioned difficulties in the art.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a new and improved method and apparatus that may be utilized commerically in relation to high speed cigarette making operations in an inexpensive and efficient manner.

An additional object of the invention is to produce a high quality filter plug having the desired characteristics for properly filtering the smoke and being of a shape that is acceptable to provide a high quality smoking article.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which minimizes loss of particulate material, thus avoiding housekeeping problems, and maintains the particulate material in the desired position on the web so that the particulate material will be positioned in a desirable manner within the filter rod.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for accurately metering a desired quantity of particulate material onto a web with a reasonable degree to consistency.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the method of this invention comprises the steps of providing a continuous web of filtering material having an elongated axis, spreading the web in a direction normal to the axis to a predetermined width, cutting the web along a line parallel to the axis to provide first and second web sections, feeding the first web section in a first axial direction in a fiattened state to a deposition position and there delivering amounts of loose particulate material in rows extending across the first web section and being spaced axially thereof, feeding the second web section into overlying relation to the deposited particulate material and the first web section whereby said material is positioned at axially spaced positions between the first and second web sections, and forming the first and second web sections and the particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

To also achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of this invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the apparatus of this invention comprises means for transporting a continuous web of filter material having an elongated axis, and spreading the web to a predetermined width, means op eratively associated with said transporting means for cutting the web in a direction parallel to its axis to divide the web into first and second sections, means for transporting the first section in a first direction, means for depositing loose particulate material on the upper surface of the first section in rows across said section, the rows being spaced axially thereof, means for transporting the second section into adjacent overlying relation to the first section and the loose particulate material, and means for forming the first and second web sections and the particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

'BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention consists of the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements shown and described. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the means for cutting the web into first and second sections, means for transporting the first section of the web to a particulate deposition means and means for transporting the second section in a manner to bypass the deposition means and into overlying relation to the first section and the deposited particulate material.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the deposition wheel assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the deposition of particulate material on the first web section.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view transversely through the first web section showing the particulate material positioned in spaced deposits across the upper surface of the web section.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the first and second web sections after the second web section is moved into overlying relation to the first web section and the particulate material showing the sandwich-type construction so provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, it may be seen that the apparatus 10 for forming the desired filter plugs includes a spreading and plasticizing assembly 12, a web cutting assembly 14, transporting assemblies 16 and 17 for the first and second web sections respectively, a particulate material deposition assembly 18, a wrapper feeding assembly 20, a rod-forming assembly 22, and a filter plug cutting assembly 24.

The tow is comprised of a web 26 of fibrous cellulose acetate. However, paper, bulk yarn, other filamentary tows or any other suitable material may be utilized.

The material to be deposited on web 26 must have the desired absorbative and adsorbative properties, and be either in particulate or granular form. The particulate material may be finely divided charcoal, silica gel, volcanic salts, ion exchange resins, clays, and the like. A particular additive contemplated by this invention is the ion exchange resin DUOLITE, which may be of the type disclosed in commonly assigned US. Pat. No. 3,716,500, granted Feb. 13, 1973.

In accordance with the invention, the means for tensioning the web of filter material and spreading the web to a predetermined width is characterized by assembly 12. Preferably, a continuous cellulose acetate tow having an elongated axis is drawn from a conventional storage bale into the tow opening and plasticizing assembly 12 to form web 26. In assembly 12, the tow is spread or bloomed in a conventional fashion into a web 26 of approximately 10 inch width. The open web 26 then passes through a conventional plasticizer applicator, not specifically shown. The plasticizer for cellulose acetate, usually employed, is triacetin.

In this manner, the web sections into which the web is subsequently cut are simultaneously tensioned, bloomed and plasticized to precisely the same degree. This produces high quality filters with the consistency required for commercial manufacture of cigarettes.

In accordance with the invention, the means for cut ting the web 26 in a direction parallel to its axis to divide the web 26 into first and second web sections 28 and 30, respectively, is characterized by cutting assembly 14. Referring to FIG. 2, the cutting assembly 14, as illustrated herein, includes a roller 34 and cutting wheel 36, the cutting wheel 36 being positioned in abutting relation to roller 34 and each being rotatable about an axis normal to the axis of the web.

The roller 34 is operatively associated with a delivery roll 32 and cooperatively acts with roll 32 to pull the web 26 from the assembly 12. The delivery roll 32 and roller 34 are mounted in conventional fashion to receive the plasticized web 26 from assembly 12 and convey the web for further processing.

Preferably, the cutting wheel 36 is mounted on shaft 38 which is carried in conventional fashion on a suitable frame and driven in cooperative relation with the roller 34 so that the cutting edge of the cutting wheel 36 will bear against roller 34 and sever web 26 into first and second sections 28 and 30. The cutting wheel 36 actually crushes the fibers of the web 26, the web coming apart along the line of the crushed fibers.

In accordance with the invention, means 16 are provided for transporting the first web section 28 in a first direction through the particulate material deposition assembly 18. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transporting means 16 for the first section 28 is preferably provided by the delivery roll 32, a guide 40, conveying belt or tape assembly 42, and a pair of rollers 44 and 46 disposed on opposite sides of the deposition assembly 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first web section 28 is taken from the delivery roll 32 and directed downwardly about guide 40 to a continuous tape or belt 43 and beneath roller 44, positioned at the upper surface of tape 43. Preferably, the continuous tape 43 extends between and beneath each of the rollers 44 and 46 whereby the first web section 28 is fed between the tape 43 and rollers 44 and 46 and rests on tape 43 during its movement through the deposition assembly 18. It is in this manner that the first web section 28 is delivered in a flattened condition to the deposition assembly 18 for receipt of the particulate material. The first web section 28 is then fed with the particulate material deposited thereon between roller 46 and tape 43, and thence to the garniture assembly 22. The tape 43 is driven in conventional manner by assembly 42.

In accordance with the invention, the means 17 for transporting the second web section 30 into adjacent overlying relation to the first web section 28 and the loose particulate material at a point after deposition of said material is comprised of delivery roll 32, a guide 48 and the roller 46. The delivery roll 32 and the roller 46 are common to transport means 16 and 17.

Preferably, the second web section 30 is directed over the deposition means 18 for ease of operation and to avoid complex arrangements of rollers and guides. It is in this manner that the second section 30 may be brought by the use of a single guide 48 from the delivery roll 32 into the desired overlying relation to the first section 28 of web 26 and the deposited particulate material.

Thus, the first and second web section transporting means 16 and 17 include the delivery roll 32 and a pair of guides 40 and 48 to direct the respective sections after departure from the delivery roll 32. Guide 48 is positioned to direct the second web section 30 from roll 32 to roller 46 on the opposite side of the deposition means 18. The guide 40 is positioned to direct the first web section 28 to roller 44 and tape 43. The first web section 28 then proceeds through the deposition assembly 18 to roller 46 where the two sections are jointed in contacting relation on each side of the particulate material.

In accordance with the invention, the means provided for depositing loose particulate material on the upper surface of the first web section 28 in rows extending across the section and spaced axially thereof is comprised of assembly 18. Preferably, the assembly 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is comprised of a hopper 50, a deposition wheel 52, and means 54 for supplying a vacuum to draw the particulate material down onto the web from the deposition wheel 52 and to retain the material in position for a desired distance. The vacuum means 54 is not illustrated in detail, but is conventional in nature. While the apertures 56 through which the vacuum is drawn are not illustrated as extending to the roller 46, it may be desirable: to do so in certain instances, to prevent displacement of the particulate material during movement of the web.

As shown in FIG. 2, the deposition wheel 52 is preferably comprised of a rotatable cylinder 58 and a cylindrical casing 60 in which cylinder 58 is housed. The casing 60 is preferably designed such that the outer surface of cylinder 58 is in contacting relation to the inner surface of casing 60.

The cylinder 58 contains a plurality of recesses 62 which are positioned in sets spaced axially of the cylinder 58. Each of the sets contains a plurality of recesses spaced circumferentially of the cylinder 58. In the preferred embodiment, casing 60 contains a pair of ports 64 positioned at each of the sets of recesses 62 to effect transfer of the particulate material from the hopper 50 to the recesses 62 and thence to the web section 28.

The hopper 50 defines a plurality of openings 65 in aligned overlying relation to the ports 64 in casing 60. The particulate material passes through opening 65, ports 64 and into recesses 62. The level of material in hopper 50 can be maintained by conventional means.

Cylinder 58 is driven in conventional fashion in synchronization with the movement of the web section 28 so that recesses 62 in cylinder 58 are moved into aligned relation with discharge ports 64 in the casing 60 to provide deposits of particulate material in rows across the web 28, the rows being spaced axially of the web at a desired dimension.

In accordance with the invention, a means for forming the first and second web sections 28 and 30 and said particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod is characterized as a rod-forming assembly 22. Preferably, the assembly is a conventional garniture assembly which gathers the first and second web sections 28 and 30 along with the particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

The cylindrical filter rod then passes through a cutting section 24 where the rod is, in a conventional manner, severed into individual filter plugs.

In accordance with the invention, the method of manufacturing tobacco smoke filters constituting this invention commences with the step of providing a web of filter material having an elongated axis and being continuous in the direction of said axis. Preferably, the web is comprised of cellulose acetate. However. as mentioned before, other filter materials may be utilized. The web is then spread in a direction normal to the axis to a predetermined width. Typically, the web is spread to approximately 10 inches. Plasticizer is then applied. Referring to FIG. 1, spreading and plasticizing occur in assembly 12.

In accordance with the invention, the method includes the step of cutting the web along a line parallel to the axis of the web to provide first and second web sections, each of these sections having an elongated axis. Preferably, the web is cut after the steps of spreading the tow and applying the plasticizer. The web 26 is severed by the cutting wheel 36, which is driven in abutting relation to roller 34. As previously noted, the term cutting is intended to include a crushing of the fibers along a line and separating of the sections along that line.

In accordance with the invention, the method further includes the step of feeding the first web section 28 in a first axial direction in a flattened condition to a deposition position. The feeding of the first web section 28 may occur continuously, as illustrated, or intermittently. In the latter case, conventional dwell feeding assemblies would be substituted.

In accordance with the invention,.the loose particulate material is delivered at the deposition position to the first section 28 of the web in rows extending across the first section 28 but spaced axially along section 28. Preferably, the rows of particulate material extend in a direction normal to the axis of the first web section 28 and are comprised of separate, spaced deposits of material. It is possible, however, to provide continuous rows of particulate material, but best results have been obtained by the use of spaced deposits. Preferably, a low pressure area is created beneath the web in the area of deposition of the particulate material to assist in increasing the speed of deposition and in retaining the material in place on the web section 28. This is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment by drawing a vacuum through apertures 56.

The particulate material is metered at the deposition point in such a manner as to provide a desired amount of particulate material in each of the individual rows. This metering can be accomplished in various ways, for instance, by selecting variously sized recesses 62 in cylinder 58. The accuracy and consistency of the metering is achieved by providing the spaced deposits as opposed to a continuous strip of particulate material.

In accordance with the invention, the method further includes the step of feedingthe second web section 30 in a second axial direction to bypass the deposition position and into overlying relation to the deposited particulate material and said first web-section whereby the material is positioned at spaced intervals axially of the sections and between the sections 28 and 30. Preferably, the second web section 30 is fed over the deposition means to simplify the handling of the web, reducing potential entanglement and the need for increased number of rollers and guides.

In accordance with the invention, the method includes the step of gathering the first and second web sections 28 and 30 and the particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod. Preferably, this occurs immediately after placement of particulate material on the first web section 28 and the positioning of the second web section 30 in overlying contact to the first web section 28 and the particulate material.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations could be made in the method and apparatus constituting this invention without departure from the scope or spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A method of manufacturing tobacco filters comprising the steps of: v

a. providing a web of filter material, said web having an elongated axis and being continuous in the direction of said axis;

b. tensioning the web;

c. spreading said web in a direction normal to said axis to a predetermined width;

d. cutting the web along a line parallel to said axis to provide first and second sections, each of said sections having an elongated axis;

e. feeding said first section of the web in a first axial direction in a flattened condition to a deposition position;

f. delivering amounts of loose particulate material to the first section of the web at said deposition position in rows extending across said first section, said rows being spaced axially thereof;

g. feeding said second section of said web in a second axial direction to bypass the deposition position and direct the second web section into overlying relation to the deposited particulate material and said first web section whereby said material is positioned at spaced intervals between said first and second sections;

h. forming said first and second sections of said web and said particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said rows of particulate material are comprised of spaced deposits of particulate material.

3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said rows of deposited particulate material are comprised of a plurality of deposits of material spaced generally normal to the axis of said first section.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 including the further step of metering said particulate material to provide the desired amount of material in each of said spaced rows.

5. A method as recited in claim I wherein said web material is selected from the group consisting of paper, bulk yarn, and filamentary tow.

6. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the feeding of said web and said sections occurs continuously.

7. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the feeding of said web and said sections occurs intermittently.

8. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the web is cut into first and second sections of equal width.

9. A method as recited in claim 1 including the step of creating a low pressure area beneath said web in the area of deposition of said loose particulate material to assist in deposition and retention of said material in the desired position.

10. An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco smoke filters comprising: v

a. means for tensioning a web of filter material and spreading said web to a predetermined width, said web having an elongated axis and being continuous in the direction of said axis;

b. means operatively associated with said tensioning and spreading means for cutting said web in a di rection parallel to said axis to divide the web into first and second sections, each of said sections having an elongated axis;

c. means for transporting said first section in a first direction;

d. means for depositing loose particulate material on the upper surface of said first section of said web in rows across said section, said rows being spaced axially thereof;

e. means for transporting said second section into adjacent overlying relation to said first section and said loose particulate material at a point after deposition of said material and;

f. means for forming said first and second sections and said particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.

11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said cutting means is comprised of a cutting wheel and a roller, said cutting wheel being positioned in abutting relation to said roller and each being rotatable about an axis normal to the axis of said web whereby said web is fed between said cutting wheel and said roller, the cutting wheel serving to divide said web into two sec tions.

12. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said means for transporting said first section includes a pair of roller means in spaced relation on opposite sides of said deposition means for guiding and moving said first section through said deposition means in a flattened condition.

13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said transporting means further includes a continuous tape extending beneath and at least between the pair of roller means, whereby the first web section is fed between said tape and said rollers and rests on said tape during its movement through the deposition means.

14. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said means for transporting said second section directs said section over said deposition means and into overlying relation to said first section and said particulate material.

15. An apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said second web section transporting means includes the same roller means utilized for guiding and transporting the first web section after deposition, whereby movement into said overlying relation occurs at the point of said roller means.

16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said first and second web section transporting means further includes a delivery roll between the cutting means and the deposition means and a pair of guides, the first of said guides being positioned to direct said second web section from said roll to the roller means on the opposite side of said deposition means and said other guide being positioned to direct said first web section from said roll to the roller means on the same side of said deposition means.

17. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said deposition means is comprised of a rotatably driven cylinder having a plurality of axially spaced sets of recesses, each of said sets comprising a plurality of recesses defined at spaced positions circumferentially of said cylinder.

18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein said deposition means further includes a hopper operatively mounted above said cylinder, said hopper having a plurality of openings spaced in alignment with said sets of recesses whereby the rotation of said cylinder brings said recesses into alignment with the openings to supply particulate material to said recesses.

19. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising means for providing a low pressure area beneath the web at the area of deposition of the particu late material to assist in depositing and retaining the material on the web. 

1. A method of manufacturing tobacco filters comprising the steps of: a. providing a web of filter material, said web having an elongated axis and being continuous in the direction of said axis; b. tensioning the web; c. spreading said web in a direction normal to said axis to a predetermined width; d. cutting the web along a line parallel to said axis to provide first and second sections, each of said sections having an elongated axis; e. feeding said first section of the web in a first axial direction in a flattened condition to a deposition position; f. delivering amounts of loose particulate material to the first section of the web at said deposition position in rows extending across said first section, said rows being spaced axially thereof; g. feeding said second section of said web in a second axial direction to bypass the deposition position and direct the second web section into overlying relation to the deposited particulate material and said first web section whereby said material is positioned at spaced intervals between said first and second sections; h. forming said first and second sections of said web and said particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said rows of particulate material are comprised of spaced deposits of particulate material.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said rows of deposited particulate material are comprised of a plurality of deposits of material spaced generally normal to the axis of said first section.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1 including the further step of metering said particulate maTerial to provide the desired amount of material in each of said spaced rows.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said web material is selected from the group consisting of paper, bulk yarn, and filamentary tow.
 6. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the feeding of said web and said sections occurs continuously.
 7. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the feeding of said web and said sections occurs intermittently.
 8. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the web is cut into first and second sections of equal width.
 9. A method as recited in claim 1 including the step of creating a low pressure area beneath said web in the area of deposition of said loose particulate material to assist in deposition and retention of said material in the desired position.
 10. An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco smoke filters comprising: a. means for tensioning a web of filter material and spreading said web to a predetermined width, said web having an elongated axis and being continuous in the direction of said axis; b. means operatively associated with said tensioning and spreading means for cutting said web in a direction parallel to said axis to divide the web into first and second sections, each of said sections having an elongated axis; c. means for transporting said first section in a first direction; d. means for depositing loose particulate material on the upper surface of said first section of said web in rows across said section, said rows being spaced axially thereof; e. means for transporting said second section into adjacent overlying relation to said first section and said loose particulate material at a point after deposition of said material and; f. means for forming said first and second sections and said particulate material into a cylindrical filter rod.
 11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said cutting means is comprised of a cutting wheel and a roller, said cutting wheel being positioned in abutting relation to said roller and each being rotatable about an axis normal to the axis of said web whereby said web is fed between said cutting wheel and said roller, the cutting wheel serving to divide said web into two sections.
 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said means for transporting said first section includes a pair of roller means in spaced relation on opposite sides of said deposition means for guiding and moving said first section through said deposition means in a flattened condition.
 13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said transporting means further includes a continuous tape extending beneath and at least between the pair of roller means, whereby the first web section is fed between said tape and said rollers and rests on said tape during its movement through the deposition means.
 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said means for transporting said second section directs said section over said deposition means and into overlying relation to said first section and said particulate material.
 15. An apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said second web section transporting means includes the same roller means utilized for guiding and transporting the first web section after deposition, whereby movement into said overlying relation occurs at the point of said roller means.
 16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said first and second web section transporting means further includes a delivery roll between the cutting means and the deposition means and a pair of guides, the first of said guides being positioned to direct said second web section from said roll to the roller means on the opposite side of said deposition means and said other guide being positioned to direct said first web section from said roll to the roller means on the same side of said deposition means.
 17. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said deposition means is comprised of a rotatably driven cylinder having a plurality of axially spaced sets of recEsses, each of said sets comprising a plurality of recesses defined at spaced positions circumferentially of said cylinder.
 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein said deposition means further includes a hopper operatively mounted above said cylinder, said hopper having a plurality of openings spaced in alignment with said sets of recesses whereby the rotation of said cylinder brings said recesses into alignment with the openings to supply particulate material to said recesses.
 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising means for providing a low pressure area beneath the web at the area of deposition of the particulate material to assist in depositing and retaining the material on the web. 